• A catapult is any kind of
device that shoots or
launches a projectile by
mechanical means, a great
distance without the aid of
explosive devices.
• The word 'Catapult' comes
from the two Greek words
"kata" (downward) and
"pultos" (a small circular
battle shield).
• Katapultos was then taken to
mean "shield piercer".
And 2 sub categories of catapults
Similar to a
giant
crossbow.
Tension
powered.
Launched
darts.
Comes from
the Greek
word
“Ballistes”,
which means
“to throw”.
Subcategory of
the Ballista.
Meant to fire
darts from
inside
fortress
walls.
Torsion powered.
Hurled objects
from a cup on an
arm.
1,300 foot range.
Capabilities in
between a
Bastilla and a
Trebuchet.
From the Latin
word
“manganon”,
meaning “an
engine of war”.
Torsion powered.
Hurled objects
from a cup on an
arm.
1,300 foot range.
Capabilities in
between a
Bastilla and a
Trebuchet.
From the Latin
word
“manganon”,
meaning “an
engine of war”.
Early basis
for the
Mangonel.
Originally
used a sling,
which was
later
changed to
the bucket
used for the
Mangonel
Gravity
powered
sling.
Comes
from the
French
word
“Trebucher
” meaning
“throw
over”.
What is a catapult?
List 3 types of catapults:
• Force (F): strength or power
applied upon an object.
F = mass * acceleration
• Mass (m): the quantity of
matter (atoms/particles) in
the object
• Gravity (g): the FORCE
of attraction by which
bodies tend to fall toward
the center
CAR 1
CAR 2
CAR 3
• Velocity (v): how far you go over a
set amount of time (v = distance/time)
• Acceleration (a): “speeding up”
• Tension: the
state of being
stretched or
strained. (left)
• Angles (θ): the
space within two
lines (right)
• Projectile motion
• refers to the motion of an
object projected into the
air at an angle.
Soccer
Player
Long Jumper
Gravity is necessary to make a
Without Gravity VS. With Gravity
projectile land back on the
ground. The launching force
and angle along with the mass
of the object help determine
how far and how high the
projectile will fly
 3. What are 3 factors that will affect the
distance the projectile travels?
 4. Describe how an object’s mass will
change the projectile’s distance traveled?
An object of the same mass
and same angle is thrown
faster and faster each time
 Answer Question 5
 6. Describe how tension affects the projectile
motion?
 7. Does mass effect velocity? Why or why not?
 8. How are mass, velocity, and projectile motion
related?
 Client: Project SYNCERE Consultants hired engineers
from <SCHOOL NAME>’s Project SYNCERE class, to
build a model catapult to demonstrate how projectile
motion can be useful for the University of Chicago’s
new tennis court facilities.
 Objective: The catapult must launch the object from
a set location, so that it lands in the bucket every time.
 Dimensions: Your catapult must be at least 4.5” X
4.5” X 4.5” and no more than 6.75” X 6.75” X 6.75”
 Design/Construction: PS consultants
MUST approve your written design
before you will be allowed to receive
materials
 Data: Data tables have been provided
to you, to assist in your test trials
 What angle will you use to shoot
your projectile?
 What will create a force to
launch the projectile?
 What is the mass of the object
being launched?